Ajanta Tours & Trips

What our customers ask about Ajanta Tours & Trips

• What are the must-see caves at Ajanta for first-time visitors?

  Caves 1, 2, 16 and 17 stand out as the essential stops at Ajanta featuring Buddhist paintings and sculptures from the 2nd century BCE. In Cave 1 visitors will find the well-preserved Bodhisattva Padmapani painting while Cave 2 displays detailed ceiling artwork showing scenes from Buddha's life. A TourRadar traveler noted "The paintings and sculptures depicting Buddha's life made this trip unique." The reclining Buddha statue in Cave 26 and the prayer hall in Cave 19 round out the key attractions. Tour companies like Agora Voyages arrange visits to these caves with knowledgeable guides who explain their historical significance.

• Are guides necessary for visiting Ajanta Caves?

  Though you can visit independently a guide significantly enhances the experience by explaining the complex artwork and Buddhist symbolism throughout the caves. Companies like On The Go Tours provide expert guides who share detailed knowledge about the site's art and architecture. According to one TourRadar traveler "Our guide was fascinating and really brought the caves to life with detailed explanations of the art and history." Most tours include English-speaking guides while operators such as Yolo India Tours also offer guides who speak German French and Italian.

• How does Ajanta compare to Ellora Caves?

  These UNESCO World Heritage sites each offer distinct experiences. Ajanta's 30 Buddhist caves showcase exceptional paintings from the 2nd century BCE to 6th century CE. Ellora features 34 caves representing Buddhism Hinduism and Jainism with impressive sculptural work. One TourRadar traveler observed "Ajanta's paintings and Ellora's sculptures make them uniquely complementary sites." Tour operators like Alkof Holidays recommend visiting both locations to understand their different architectural styles. The Ambassador Ajanta Hotel provides convenient access to both cave complexes.

• What are the must-see attractions when visiting Ajanta?

  The 29 rock-cut Buddhist cave temples at Ajanta form the main attraction with their sculptures and paintings dating to the 2nd century BCE. The nearby Ellora Caves complement Ajanta with their mix of Hindu Buddhist and Jain architecture. Visitors should also explore Daulatabad Fort and Bibi ka Maqbara known as the mini Taj of the Deccan. Many travelers stay at the WelcomHotel Rama International in Aurangabad. A TourRadar traveler shared "The Ajanta Caves were breathtaking - the ancient paintings and sculptures were incredibly well-preserved and the guide's explanations brought the history to life."

• What unique local experiences can I have around Ajanta?

  The area surrounding Ajanta offers rich cultural experiences beyond the caves. Visitors can explore Grishneshwar Temple one of India's 12 sacred Jyotirlinga shrines or watch Paithani silk weavers at work in nearby villages. The VITS Hotel Aurangabad serves traditional Maharashtrian food and hosts cultural shows. Nature enthusiasts can take jungle walks and safaris at Melghat Tiger Reserve. As one TourRadar traveler shared: "The local village visit arranged by our guide gave us insight into traditional weaving techniques and we got to taste authentic Maharashtrian home cooking."

• What accommodation options are available near Ajanta Caves?

  Accommodations near Ajanta suit various budgets from the upscale WelcomHotel Rama International to the mid-range VITS Hotel. The MTDC Resort Ajanta offers the closest location to the caves. A TourRadar traveler reported "The hotels were comfortable and well-located for visiting the caves." Tour companies like Agora Voyages typically book guests into established properties such as Hotel Jasnagra or the Lemon Tree Hotel ensuring quality stays during cave visits.